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Grateful News January 2017

This month’s news focuses on a wonderful recycling idea; a life-saving invention; techies making a difference in their community; new voices for the voiceless; reconciliation along a new Great Trail; and a commitment to help save the rainforests…

At Repair Cafes, ‘Beloved but Broken’ Possessions Find New Life

If you’ve ever despaired of getting your vacuum cleaner fixed or thought that your broken lamp was a lost cause, there’s hope. A worldwide movement is trying to reform our throwaway approach to possessions. >> Full Story

Not A Game: This Wind-powered Minesweeper Could Save Millions Of Lives

A former Afghan refugee, Massoud Hassani, has designed a low-cost solution to this problem, based off of a childhood toy he used to build with his brother. The “Mine Kafon” is a spherical device made of lightweight plastic and bamboo. Easily pushed by the wind through dangerous areas, it detonates any landmines that lay in its path. >> See video

In Asheville, Volunteer Computer Programmers Seek to Help the Most Vulnerable

Among other projects in the past year, members of Code for Asheville have lent their expertise to address issues involving formerly incarcerated people and homeless individuals. “We’re techies who work to help communities work better,”
>> Full Story

Giving Voice to the Voiceless

TechKnow explores how new voice technology that sounds ever more human becomes the ultimate gift to the voiceless. A new text-to-speech program called “My Own Voice” helps those with degenerative diseases like 31-year-old journalist Angelina Fanous to capture the essence of their voice so their unique characteristics shine through. >> Watch Video

Dianne Whelan is Traveling Canada’s Great Trail as a First Step to Reconciliation

Canada’s Great Trail is due to be completed this year. When all 432 of its trails are connected, the Great Trail will be among the longest in the world. Its trail network includes of traditional First Nations paddling routes, railway lines, and historical fur trade routes. Whelan’s journey comes amidst a renewed focus on reconciliation with Indigenous communities. >> Full Story and Video

Corporations Join Norway in Creating $400M Rainforest Fund

Corporate giants such as Nestlē, Unilever, and Marks & Spencer have joined the Norwegian government in creating a fund to find deforestation in Brazil. According to AFP, the Norwegian government has already kickstarted the fund with a $100 million contribution. >> Full Story